DMK MP sparks row: people from UP, Bihar clean toilets in TN

DMK MP and former union minister Dayanidhi Maran triggered a row after he said Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who come to Tamil Nadu end up doing construction work or cleaning roads and toilets. A clip of the DMK MP's remark has gone viral and was shared by BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, who slammed INDIA bloc leaders from the two states for not speaking against the DMK MP.BJP leader Amit Malviya shared the video, saying Rahul Gandhi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should clarify if the DMK leader's remarks are in line with their parties' position. 

I.N.D.I Alliance leader and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran says Hindi speakers from UP and Bihar come and clean toilets in TN.
Rahul Gandhi and Nitish Kumar must clarify, if this is the stated position of the Congress and JDU too.
I.N.D.I Alliance’s divisive agenda is out in full force… pic.twitter.com/i4wwLbYisW

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 24, 2023

The video of  Maran, meanwhile, has sparked a political row, drawing criticism from leaders of both the BJP and INDIA ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned the remarks. "This is condemnable. Leaders from other states, irrespective of which party they belong to, should avoid making such remarks. This country is one. We respect people from other states and we expect the same. Such remarks should not be made," he told the media..
Hindi imposition is an emotive issue in Tamil Nadu and the DMK has been at the forefront of agitations against alleged attempts to impose Hindi in the southern state. The fresh controversy comes at a time when the Opposition bloc is racing against time to iron out internal conflicts and regional rivalries and gear up for the big fight against a formidable BJP.